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Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on the Spartans' 111-61 blowout of Cleveland State on Friday night at Breslin Center.

EAST LANSING

1. This version of Nick Ward is another level of beast

If Nick Ward treats Cleveland State like the NBA finals, there’s no reason Michigan State’s sophomore big man should give any less of himself next week against Maryland and Ohio State and beyond.

Ward has been exceptional of late. That didn’t change in the Spartans’ first game back from a short Christmas break — a 111-61 annihilation of the visiting Vikings Friday night at Breslin.

Ward was a dominating force in the post and on the glass — with 22 points and 14 rebounds in 22 minutes. That’s nothing new, though the fact that such a focused effort happened in a laugher of a game is another sign of ever-increasing maturity.

What stood out, however, was Tom Izzo complimenting Ward’s ball-screen defense from the bench during the first half — that’s usually where any Izzo-Ward conflict begins — and Ward’s efficiency at the free-throw line, where he made 8 of 12. That’s important. If Ward is confident at the line, he’ll work to get there. And when he has the ball inside 5 feet of the rim, it’s nearly impossible to keep him from scoring without fouling, regardless of the competition. He was seething when he missed his last two free throws and determined to get back to the basket — this with a lead of about 100 to 50.

Cleveland State is a young team and rebuilding program that never had a chance. But MSU scored more than 100 points in its third straight game for the first time in 13 seasons on Friday night. And the Spartans scored 60 or more points in a half for the first time since Dec. 13, 2008, against Alcorn State, finishing the first 20 minutes Friday with 63 — the most ever in a half in the Izzo era.

MSU has played a lot of cupcakes over the years. Never in the modern era have the Spartans been this overwhelming. It’s not just offense. It’s also defense leading to easier offense. And Friday, it was also a lack of turnovers. The Spartans had just three at halftime.

MSU built a 73-26 lead four minutes into the second half, hitting 25 of 38 shots and 10 of 15 3-pointers. The Spartans couldn’t miss out of the gate, hitting their first seven shots to effectively end the game before the first media timeout. No matter the opponent, it’s rare and remarkable to watch.

MSU finished the game with Tum Tum Nairn, Matt McQuaid, Gavin Schilling, Xavier Tillman and Conner George on the court. That’s about as close to a benchwarmer, walk-on lineup as Izzo can put on the floor. Perhaps Kenny Goins over Schilling, but that’s it.

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Michigan State's Joshua Langford, right, celebrates after scoring with teammate Nick Ward, left, during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Nick Ward, center, grabs a rebound as Cleveland State's Anthony Wright looks on during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Joshua Langford, right, looks for room as Cleveland State's Bobby Word defends during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Nick Ward, left, gets tangled up with Cleveland State's Stefan Kenic, right, while going for a rebound during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Cleveland State's head coach Dennis Felton, right, talks with Stefan Kenic during a timeout in the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Miles Bridges, right, blocks a shot by Cleveland State's Kenny Carpenter during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Lourawls Nairn Jr., right, celebrates with teammate Nick Ward after Ward was fouled during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr., left, blocks a shot by Cleveland State's Anthony Wright during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr. celebrates after blocking a Cleveland State shot during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Matt McQuaid, right, makes a three pointer as Cleveland State's Bobby Word defends during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Miles Bridges, left, sinks a 3-pointer as Cleveland State's Stefan Kenic defends during the first half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Joshua Langford, right, shoots a 3-pointer as Cleveland State's Anthony Wright defends during the second half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans won 111-61. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Miles Bridges, right, moves to the basket as Cleveland State's Stefan Kenic defends during the second half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans won 111-61. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Nick Ward, center, reacts after throwing down a dunk during the second half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans won 111-61. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Nick Ward, right, jokes with head coach Tom Izzo after being taken out late during the second half on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans won 111-61. Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo thanks the fans for attending after the game on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans won 111-61. Nick King/Lansing State Journal